Luxury hotels in Athens: an unforgettable luxury vacation in the Greek capital

Just a few years ago, the hospitality industry in the majestic capital of Greece was limited to soulless chains and questionable hostels, but the country's economic crisis has helped turn downsized properties into excellent hotels. In addition, Airbnb has also entered the market, transforming entire neighborhoods for the better. Today, the capital is being replenished almost weekly with stylish guesthouses, chic boutique hotels, and restored coastal resorts occupying restored neoclassical architectural monuments.

From the bustling streets of Plaka to the famous Acropolis, the city has something for everyone, whether you're an explorer looking to explore its rich history or a family planning a relaxing, warm vacation. All that's left to do is choose a place to stay using our selection of the top 12 best hotels in Athens.

Dolli

An important landmark of Plaka, dating back to 1925, was originally an estate owned by a shipping magnate, and later a famous fabric store was opened here. And finally, the property was reimagined as a hotel from Greece's largest Grecotel chain. The exquisite facade, which is perfectly preserved, still attracts attention with its tall windows and rounded corners. Inside, you will find even more striking interior details, such as plump boucle fabric sofas, giant crystals, and works of art by Calder, Cocteau, and Picasso.

The rooms with high ceilings also have an air of extravagance, and the bathrooms are decorated with marble. However, the main highlight of one of the best hotels in Athens is the luxurious rooftop terrace. Here you will find an extraordinary infinity pool that creates the illusion that you are swimming in the Parthenon itself, located right above your head. In addition, the views are magnificent from the gourmet rooftop restaurant, which serves impeccable breakfasts.

Whether you're planning to explore the city's top sights, find treasures at authentic flea markets, or raid the bars, The Dolli can offer it all right on your doorstep.

Monsieur Didot

The Greek capital is filled with abandoned townhouses from the early 20th century, just waiting to be reimagined into one of the charming B&Bs. Two best friends, Margarita Papaioannou and Natalia Georgopoulou, stumbled upon one of these buildings. The pale pink townhouse, located in a quiet corner of Kolonaki, was waiting for a thoughtful and stylish revival. This is how Monsieur Didot was born.

The cozy hotel, run as a family home, has only six rooms, decorated with simple furniture and unusual works of art that emphasize the beautiful structure of the property.

If you want maximum privacy, we recommend staying in The Tale, which has a separate entrance, or choose a cozy penthouse, The Ode, with a private terrace. We advise you to contact the owners or the caring staff, who will be happy to help you arrange a Greek wine tasting on the secret roof terrace, organize a gastronomic or walking tour, etc.

Monument

The name of one of the best hotels in Athens actually reflects its essence, because Monument is an important architectural monument. The property was designed in 1881 by the prominent German architect Ernst Ziller, who shaped the "modern" capital of Greece in the 19th century. Later, the building was restored by representatives of the Ministry of Culture.

With its authentic trompe l'oeil wooden staircase and hand-painted flowers on the ceiling, the hotel still looks like a private residence. Monument offers only nine cozy rooms and a special intimate atmosphere. Antique carpets in the huge bathrooms, copper lamps by the comfortable dark wood beds, and textured lime paint on the walls add to the comfort and charm. Most rooms offer amazing views, such as the Church of St. Demetrius and the Acropolis.

The Monument's staff is extremely friendly and ready to book a massage, book a table in the restaurant or prepare a sauna at any time. You will be in the very center of the Athenian Renaissance, but as if in a separate place, safe and quiet.

NEW Hotel

Opened in 2011, NEW Hotel is not that new, but it never ceases to impress. The once abandoned location in the city center was transformed by the Campana brothers from Brazil, who fully demonstrated their signature chic and sense of humor. In particular, the old furniture was recycled in an inspired and creative way; for example, the lobby walls were decorated with broken tables and chairs.

From hybrid chairs that look like giant marshmallows to brightly colored bathrooms with bronze mirrors, the hotel is a bit crazy and eccentric, so it's sure to appeal to creative types. The professional staff is well-informed about the capital's best restaurants and the latest places to visit. However, there is also an excellent on-site catering facility with delicious food, so locals love to come for Sunday brunch, accompanied by Bloody Marys and Greek-style Croque Monsieur. In addition, we recommend visiting the rooftop restaurant, which is also a library, serving daring cocktails in a postmodern setting.

Hotel Grande Bretagne

In search of a classic place to stay, pay attention to the Hotel Grande Bretagne, which is included in the list of the top 12 best hotels in Athens. GB, located in the central Syntagma Square, has been presiding here since 1874 and is therefore as important a landmark of the city as the Acropolis. The salons of this historic landmark have hosted socialites, celebrities hiding from fans and journalists, and politicians signing important deals.

Despite renovations and several corporate takeovers, the Hotel Grande Bretagne still retains its old-fashioned charm and special atmosphere, with polished marble, antique paintings and majestic chandeliers. In the Winter Garden, guests can enjoy live music from a pianist, and Alexander's Lounge still continues to serve excellent cocktails. Among the key amenities available to guests of the Hotel Grande Bretagne are the following:

• a modern spa with a full range of treatments;
• outdoor and indoor swimming pools;
• a luxurious fitness center;
• an upscale boutique selling leather bags by Zeus + Dione and exquisite silk blouses, among other things.

In addition, the hotel boasts fantastic views of the Parthenon from the rooftop restaurant and bar. Don't miss the open-air movie screenings in the summer.

Perianth Hotel

The curved balconies of this Bauhaus landmark overlook a lively cafe located on Ayia Irini Square, and the Perianth Hotel got its name in honor of the unusual domed church. Inside, the interior is inspired by the 1930s, with moody black marble, tubular bronze lighting, gray mosaic floors, green fabrics and original works of contemporary art.

Various activities are available for guests, such as meditation or martial arts, yoga classes in a special Zen center located on the ground floor. Downstairs is an excellent restaurant open all day. With a helpful concierge service, guests can easily navigate the surrounding galleries, markets and bars, and the Acropolis is very close by, making Perianth Hotel a great base for exploring the city with its many modern and ancient sites.

Margi

Margi, located in the most desirable enclave on the Athens Riviera away from the sandy bay of Vouliagmeni, has been in existence since 1960, attracting guests from all over the world. This tranquil, family-run hotel in Athens remains one of the favorite destinations for affluent residents.

The Margi offers neutral, wood-paneled rooms with gorgeous views of the pine trees or the pool. However, you are unlikely to want to spend much time in the apartments, as there are plenty of recreational amenities available for guests. Guests like to spend time at the Malabar pool bar, ordering fancy cocktails, and have dinner or lunch at the exquisite, expensive Patio restaurant, which has only nine tables, so you should book as early as possible. In addition, the complex has a small Asian-style spa. In the summer, be sure to book a sun lounger at the Krabo beach bar, which is located right above the cape on a rocky bay, so the views from here are incredible.

AthensWas

There is only one five-star hotel on the gleaming promenade surrounding the Acropolis, so you don't want to miss this beautiful spot. AthensWas offers a sophisticated and surprisingly relaxed atmosphere where classical references harmonize with contemporary design, including black and white marble torso sculptures above the Le Corbusier leather chairs. The rooms, decorated with wood paneling and carpets, are a bit gloomy for the summer season, but nothing can beat the perfect location of AthensWas.

The gourmet rooftop restaurant deserves special attention, offering not only delicious dishes but also beautiful views of the Parthenon. Here you can try Greek dishes in perfect preparation, such as soup with meatballs with scorpion, salad with dried herbs with tangerines and walnut crumbs, white chocolate brioche with coffee foam and kumquat.

Academias Hotel, Autograph Collection

This five-star hotel in Athens, located in the heart of the capital , has a theme: in particular, in the Plato lobby bar you will find busts of ancient Greek philosophers, and the guest key card contains a quote from Hippocrates or Socrates. Guests are encouraged to turn off their devices for an hour every day and borrow a book from the library to spend time reading and enriching themselves. However, the Autograph Collection-style Academias Hotel also has many modern amenities to offer, including

• Simmons mattresses installed in monochrome bedrooms;
• marble bathrooms with Diptyque toiletries;
• a chic heated swimming pool with black-and-white movie screenings and much more.

The rooftop has a lively, vibrant atmosphere where the beauty of Athens is revealed to guests while you enjoy spicy margaritas, duck and sweet potato croquettes or sea bass ceviche at the stylish Japanese restaurant Nyx, which specializes in fusion cuisine.

Ergon House

Ergon House is not only a beautiful restaurant with rooms; the complex offers an immersion in the culinary traditions of Greece from a modern, urban perspective. The ground floor, which is occupied by Agora, is always lively: it houses a deli, bakery and dining room with a four-story hydroponic "vertical garden" on one wall and typical Athenian graffiti on the other.

On the upper floors is the magnificent Athens Hotel. In the rooms, which range in size from S to XL, guests will find beautifully packaged Greek specialties. The rooms are decorated with decorative concrete blocks, walnut wood frames, terrazzo tiles, and include cozy sleeping and relaxing areas and a spacious bathroom. Although the food on offer doesn't quite match the luxurious, elegant design, you can cook anything you want in one of the shared kitchens. In summer, local young people gather at the rooftop bar, where you can see the Parthenon between the TV antennas.

Fort Sizons Astir Palace

Astir Palace, whose history dates back to the 1960s, has regained its former glory thanks to the Four Seasons. Located on the promising coastline of the Athens Riviera, the full-fledged seaside hotel is not a thing of the past, offering an abundance of first-class amenities and top-level service.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace offers rooms in a variety of configurations, including bungalows hidden among the pine forest and suites with sea views. The hotel has three excellent restaurants on site, as well as a huge waterfront spa offering a wide range of treatments.

Shila

Among the best hotels in Athens is this secret residence of the twenties, located on a pedestrian street in the upscale Kolonaki. Shila is one of the most soulful guest houses in the capital, where you find yourself in the bohemian environment of an art collector, with an abundance of antiques, textured antique fabrics, a softly lit salon with a Strauss piano, and a library of excellent books.

On the ground floor there are two spacious rooms with private verandas shaded by medlar trees. Further up the marble staircase, four huge suites await guests, furnished with velvet sofas, bright bathrooms with rough-hewn marble sinks and intriguing artwork on the walls. Each room includes craft snacks, perfumes and toiletries designed specifically for Shila. The rooftop garden with sun loungers hidden among the urban jungle of plants deserves special attention.